In 2017, during a memorable trip to Halifax, I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard’s husband, George “Sonny” Bernard. Wanda was graciously giving me a tour of her home community in East Preston, and the pride she shared in supporting her neighbors was unmistakable. It was during this visit that I witnessed firsthand the warmth and spirit that defined both Wanda and George—a couple whose love story would span 49 years and whose partnership would inspire countless others.
A Visionary Partnership
My time working with Dr. Bernard at Dalhousie University remains among the most inspiring of my career. She is a true visionary who transformed social work education by pioneering online learning at Dal, while simultaneously serving as a passionate leader in the African Nova Scotian community. I still remember the electricity in the room during a faculty meeting when Dr. Bernard shared that she had received a phone call to become a senator. The moment captured everything about her—humble yet powerful, dedicated to service, and always ready to break new ground.
I’ve had the honor of seeing Dr. Bernard present her work in Winnipeg and more recently on Zoom as part of a Filipino Canadian conference. Each time, her commitment to justice and community shines through, carrying forward the same spirit I witnessed during that 2017 Halifax visit.
A Life Remembered
George Cedric Bernard Jr., known affectionately as “Sonny,” passed away peacefully at home on May 15, 2025, at age 77. Through the documents I’ve shared in this post on my blog, you can read about his remarkable life—as a gifted photographer who captured everyone from Prime Ministers to community celebrations, an artist who pursued his passion across multiple disciplines, and a devoted husband who supported Wanda’s groundbreaking work for nearly five decades.
What stands out most is how George faced his own health challenges, including living with an ostomy for 17 years, with the same grace and determination that characterized everything he did. His journey became part of Wanda’s powerful advocacy for ostomy awareness, culminating in her moving Senate statement in 2024.
A Call to Action
Today, as Dr. Bernard walks in George’s memory during the Step Up for Ostomy campaign, she continues their shared commitment to supporting others. The Ostomy Halifax Society and Ostomy Canada serve over 150,000 Canadians living with ostomies, providing education, advocacy, and community support that transforms lives.
When I think of George’s infectious humor, his artistic eye that found beauty everywhere, and his unwavering support for Wanda’s trailblazing work, I’m reminded that love creates ripple effects that extend far beyond a single relationship. Their partnership didn’t just strengthen each other—it strengthened entire communities.
How You Can Help
In honor of George’s memory and in support of Wanda’s continued advocacy, I encourage you to consider donating to:
Ostomy Halifax Society https://www.justgiving.com/page/wanda-bernard-2
Eternal Memory
George’s legacy lives on through Wanda’s advocacy, through the countless lives touched by ostomy support programs, and through the reminder that even in the face of health challenges, we can find joy, purpose, and ways to lift others up.
To Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard: Thank you for your continued advocacy. Thank you for showing us how love transforms into service, and how personal challenges can become pathways to helping others. George’s courage, self-determination, and deep compassion continue to inspire through every step you take.
Eternal memory, George Bernard. Your light continues to shine through the work that matters most.
References
Atlantic Funeral Homes. (2025, May 22). George Cedric Bernard Jr. ((Sonny)) obituary. The Chronicle Herald. https://thechronicleherald.remembering.ca/obituary/george-bernard-1092889746
Arbor Memorial. (2025, May 21). George Cedric Jr. (Sonny) Bernard obituary. Arbor Memorial. https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/atlantic-dartmouth/obituaries/george-cedric-jr-sonny-bernard/142129.html
Senate of Canada. (2017, February 3). Black History Month: Meet Senator Wanda Bernard. Senate of Canada. https://sencanada.ca/en/sencaplus/people/black-history-month-meet-senator-wanda-bernard/
Shorson, T. (2024, November 11). Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard advocates for ostomy awareness in powerful Senate statement. Ostomy Canada Society Blog. https://www.ostomycanada.ca/blog/2024/senator-wanda-thomas-bernard/
Thomas Bernard, W. (2024, October 3). Senator’s statement on Ostomy Canada Society [Senate statement]. Senate of Canada. https://sencanada.ca/en/senators/bernard-wanda-thomas/interventions/650329/3#hID
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